Veteran detective leaves police

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New Plymouth's thin blue line has farewelled a long-serving detective.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Kawana finished his almost 26-year career with the police yesterday.

Mr Kawana had served in South Auckland, Stratford and spent the last 20 years working in New Plymouth.

He has been in the armed offenders squad for 19 years where he was the second in charge for the last 10 years.

He had worked in the CIB for about 18 years.

Head of New Plymouth CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward, said he could not speak highly enough of Mr Kawana.

"He's been a very loyal, hard-working, respectful and dedicated officer," Mr Coward said.

"He will be a huge loss for me and this station."

Mr Coward said Mr Kawana had achieved some excellent results in several high-profile investigations.

"He will be sorely missed in the community and certainly among his peers," he said.

"He would have touched the lives of many people in the community in various ways, with his ability to communicate with people effectively and get on board with victims and deal firmly but fairly with offenders."

Mr Coward said the departure of Mr Kawana was a sad day for the police and the community.

"Detective Kawana has contributed outstanding service to the community in every respect."